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A thousand years ago, around the summer solstice, poets wrote of drums and sweat-soaked silk. But their accounts always stopped at sunset. Today, the Dragon Boat Festival keeps going deep into the night.

During last year's festival, Nanning, the capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, welcomed 2.37 million tourists, and businesses across the city rang up 1.97 billion yuan (around $289 million) in takings – nearly two-thirds after dark.

In this episode of Unboxing China, we explore why the festival doesn't end at sunset. Dense streets, mixed-use blocks and low crime rates help nightlife flourish. But it's more than that – it's also connection, freedom and millions stepping into summer together.

03:46

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Unboxing China: The night economy of Dragon Boat Festival